Use To Support A Hanging Sofa
Elevate your seating solutions
A covered porch is just one example of enclosed patio ideas. It’s a great option, as it will allow you to enjoy the indoors and outdoors seamlessly whilst staying protected from the elements.
We love the warm tone of this wooden shelter contrasted against the bright white pillars it’s super smart and complements the railings and floor perfectly. And, if you’re looking for outdoor seating ideas to include, then something like this is bound to turn heads. Such a sturdy roof overhead easily supports a hanging sofa, or for smaller spaces, why not opt for an on-trend egg chair?
Whats The Difference Between A Covered Patio Covered Porch Lanai And Veranda
The difference comes down to the placement of the structure and its design elements.
- Covered patios and lanais: They are both extensions of a home’s existing room. Typically occupy the side or back of a home.
- Covered porch: Usually sits in the front of a home. Open to the outside. Holds the same design elements as a covered patio and lanai.
- Veranda: An open-air structure connecting to the outside of a building. Enclosed by a railing that extends across the front or sides.
Wood Patio Cover Pricing
Wood patio covers come in a variety of styles and cost around $13,000 for labor and materials.
- Usually custom built
- Designing one requires blueprints to be drawn up by an engineer for between $1,500 to $2,000
- Looks great and is easily repairable
- Prone to deterioration at a much faster rate than other materials
- May need repainting or re-staining every few years for about $2,000 each time
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Pay Attention To Flashing And Roofing Details For A Watertight Job
Building the tie-in framing on top of the existing shingles is a good way to keep the house waterproof as you construct the porch, but when it comes time to install the roofing you’ll have to cut the shingles along each of the valleys with a hook-blade utility knife. Then pry loose the cut shingles to make a wide path for the valley flashing.
Cover the tie-in framing with 3/4-in. plywood. Add blocking as needed and fill in the triangular areas between the existing roof and the new roof.
How To Turn A Porch Or Patio Into A Liveable Space
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Inside: A step-by-step of how we enclosed a porch into a living space turning an uninsulated patio room into a habitable room in our home pulling down and supporting an exterior supporting wall, reinsulating grinding the concrete foundation and adding proper electrical and lighting.The ultimate guide on turning a porch into a room!
Im a bit flabbergasted that this has happened, but here we are. Seven years after first stepping foot into this house and seven years after having a dream of a light-filled office space, its finally a reality.
All it took was the guts to turn our old covered porch into a useable, habitable room in our house. Lets dive right into the process when it comes to enclosing a patio and creating a living space.
This post contains affiliate links. See our disclosure policy here.
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What To Consider When Building A Sunroom
Enclosing a patio into a sunroom will increase the square footage in your home, giving you more usable space. Its one of the best ways of opening up an entirely new room in your home without the cost of a major renovation or extension. There are a number of approaches you can take, from turning it into a solarium completely made from glass to a properly enclosed room with walls and a roof that match the rest of your home.
There are several steps you must make to ensure you properly construct the sunroom. Consider whether you will require building permits as well as the cost and length of time required to convert your patio into a sunroom. Is your patio cover suitable a roof for a sunroom? Are you able to hook electricity up to the new sunroom easily? Discussing your project with an experienced contractor will help you determine these factors.
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Patio Roof Cost Or Patio Kits
Patio roofs come standard with certain steel or pre-built patio kits that cost $200to$900+. The cheaper options come with detachable, cloth awnings that allow you to hang drapes, curtains, or install roll shades.For custom-built structures with a custom roof, the price falls between $8,000and$40,000 total.
Roofs are essential to protecting your enclosure from weather conditions. When considering which one to invest in, here are some pros & cons to consider:
- Custom Patio Roofs: These are the safest option. They protect against weather like snow and hail. They are more expensive because theyre like traditional home roofs, though for a smaller square footage. You cant take them on and off since theyre permanent.
- Awnings: The cost to install awnings is highly affordable. They are fabric and thus not as durable as a traditional roof. They’re susceptible to damage by weather conditions, so maintenance is essential.
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Sun Room Patio Enclosures Gallery
One of the best ways to add more living space and value to your home is by choosing a sunroom or Arizona room as an addition. Not only can a sunroom or Arizona room bring the outdoors in, it can serve your family as a music room, game room, family room, or quiet room for reading and relaxing.
Before calling a representative for sunrooms or Arizona rooms, there are several issues to consider to help you get the best value for your money and have a screen room, glass room, or Arizona room addition you will love. Well built patio enclosures may return up to 100% of your investment at resale.
START BY DETERMINING THE SUNROOMS PURPOSE
Most people initially think of sun rooms and Arizona rooms as a place to escape the dust, bugs, and heat of an open patio. But think about other uses, such as entertaining, home office, spa, or exercise room. Homeowners who plan wisely find their sunroom or Arizona room becomes the most used room in the house.
Next, select the type and size of patio enclosure you want
If you simply want a retreat during nice weather a screen room, screen porch, or seasonal room might be right for you. Upgrading to an insulated glass room will extend the sunroom or Arizona rooms use from fall to spring. For an expanded family room, kitchen, exercise room, or home office to use year round, select an insulated Arizona room with high performance glass.
Porch Easily Converts To Living Space
QUESTION: I have a screened porch that I would like to convert to living space. The new area would become an extension of my family room. My home, built in 1980, is concrete block construction with a pitched fiberglass shingle roof. The porch roof is incorporated in the house roof and is supported by 4-by-12 cedar beams sitting on 4-by-4 cedar columns.
How do I go about enclosing the area?
ANSWER: Enclosing screened porches to increase living area is a common practice in Florida, and in your case, it may be easier to accomplish than the addition of a family room. Because your porch roof is tied into the house, with the same pitch and shingles, etc., and you are going to stay within that existing space, the project is that much easier to do.
A porch enclosure looks especially nice when you make the effort to blend the new room with the existing home. This will make the project appear to be original to the home.
You will need to enlist the services of an architect or a residential designer to help with the design, including door and window placement, and to provide you with the preliminary and final sets of plans. Professionals also can provide you with a set of plans, including structural engineering, that is ready to submit to the building department.
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Pick A Monochrome Palette
Sleek and modern, what’s not to love?
Black and white is always a reliable choice for a fresh, modern vibe. And this scene, with its pale patio paving ideas and charcoal-hued features, makes a fantastic example.
It’s a pared-down approach, with the fuss-free cover extending seamlessly from the home’s exterior. An adjustable screen connects to the side, providing additional shelter. Meanwhile, eye-catching foliage in large containers and a woven-detailed dining set soften the look and provide stylish points of interest. It’s a gorgeous space to sit and enjoy an alfresco dinner come rain or shine whilst admiring the view of the lawn.
Cut Away The Overhang And Siding To Make Way For The Porch
You’ll have to decide whether to cut a slot where the porch walls meet the siding. If your siding is stucco, brick or stone, you may want to butt the walls to the siding.
Make a mark 1-5/8 in. out from the deck on both sides. Then make another mark 5-1/8 in. inside the first mark. Draw plumb lines up from these marks and cut a 5-1/8-in. slot through the siding but not the sheathing. Set the saw blade just deep enough to cut through the siding only. Remove the siding. Waterproof the slot with No. 15 building paper.
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Construct A Jig To Assemble The Roof Trusses
Prime Before Painting.
Prime and paint the truss parts, wall frame and screen stops before assembly. Prime the wood with a special stain-blocking primer such as Zinsser’s oil-based Cover-Stain. Then brush on a coat of acrylic exterior house paint. Make sure to prime every cut end as you work otherwise, these areas will absorb moisture and cause staining. We prefinished the roof boards with an oil finish .
How to construct the roof truss jig:
It’s easiest to assemble the roof trusses first, using the deck platform as a work surface. Screw two sheets of plywood to the decking and use the dimensions in Figure J to chalk lines indicating the top of the rafters and the bottom of the 2×6 crosstie. Cut triangular blocks and screw them to the plywood to hold the rafters in alignment as you assemble the trusses.
Position Alongside A Pool
A patio enclosure is an ideal place to relax post-swim
If you’ve graced your garden with a beautiful pool, then a sheltered structure nearby is always a good idea. Not only is it useful for storing towels, pool accessories, and a change of clothes, but it will also give you a shaded spot for lounging post-swim.
Pool house ideas are one option, but you could also try something like this for a more open feel. Dress it like you would a living room for maximum comfort think a cozy outdoor sofa, plenty of cushions, a coffee table, and even a garden rug underfoot.
The trellis-style support extending from one side of this build has also caught our eye it’s perfect for surrounding with the best climbing plants which will soften the scene with their green leaves. Pick a scented one to up the ambience even further.
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Advantages Of Having An Enclosed Patio
If youre still unsure whether or not you want an enclosed patio, knowing the advantages of having one might help you. That way, you can decide the best course of action for your lifestyle.
- Enjoy the outdoors without being outdoors. Having an enclosed patio space will allow you to have an area where you can enjoy the benefits of being outdoors, such as the noises of nature, fresh air, and sunshine, without being stuck outside exposed to bees or mosquitos.
- Shade or cover anytime you need it. The enclosed patio space provides you with cover from the sun as well as rain or wind if you wish. Additionally, for those who love to watch thunderstorms, this is a great way to do it. You can crack the windows to feel the wind while getting a first-row seat to the lightning and thunder.
- Never cancel events due to weather. Weve all been affected one way or another by inclement weather. Maybe youve had a canceled family function or gathering because it randomly rained, or it got chilly rather quickly. By having an enclosed patio, you would simply move the party inside. No more rain on your parade!
Reasons To Build An Enclosed Patio
You love your home but sometimes you wish you just had a little extra space. In particular, you wish you had more outdoor living space. Thats when you consider adding an enclosed patio. Should you do it, or should you not? If youre looking for reasons to treat your home to an enclosed patio, here are a few.
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Shelter Your Outdoor Dining Space
A perfect set-up for entertaining alfresco
Eating a good meal with friends and family can be one of life’s simplest yet greatest pleasures. And if it’s enjoyed outdoors, in a warm summer breeze, even better.
A large dining set-up like this is full of rustic charm, and will make laid-back entertaining easy. Robust columns add a sense of old-world grandeur, whilst ceiling fans will keep things cool if needed.
Our outdoor dining ideas feature has lots more inspiring scenes.
Size Of The Patio Enclosure
Not to state the obvious, but a larger enclosed patio will cost more money than a smaller one, so it all boils down to your budget, really. Its important to first envision how you want your patio to look, before taking any size measurements.
Think of a patio enclosure as an investment in your home. You dont really want to cut down on the size too much to the point where the patio is a little too uncomfortable to be in.
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Screened In Patio Costs
Not the same as full walls, screens can block almost everything from crossing your patio spacebugs, leaves, etc. The better kind are firmly attached to your patio frame/beams and can withstand any type of weather, the most common material used being fiberglass mesh. An average 270sqft screened in porch costs approx. $4.50/sqft, which would bring you to a total of $600 to $3,510 .
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Tips For Joining The Screened In Porch And House Roofs
If you’re not sure how to neatly join the screened in porch and house roofs:
- We recommend hiring an architect to help work out the details.
- Another option is to build a full-size mockup of a roof truss out of inexpensive and lightweight 1x4s. Figure out where the top of the wall plate would be if you built the porch according to our plans . Then support the mocked-up truss at this height to see how the porch overhang meets the roof.
- If you don’t like the way the overhangs intersect, adjust the level of the deck slightly, alter the wall height or change the width of the overhang.
- Contact your local building inspections department to find out what’s required to obtain a building permit.
- Start this process at least a month before you plan to build. This will allow enough time to work through potential problems.
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Background Story On Why We Decided To Convert Enclosed Porch Into Living Space
There were a lot of steps to get to where we are now. The first step? Courage. We knew that this project would be more complex than a typical build.
The previous owner was a bit of a McGyver and basically, nothing in this house was built straight, plumb, or correctly.
For years, we were completely afraid to take action because we worried it would uncover something we couldnt afford to make right. But we saved our money, and hired the right contracting team and forged ahead with our DIY enclosed porch project.
We did this renovation in two major phases.
The first phase involved completely levelling and properly insulating the floor beneath the porch. In the next phase, we had to address the concrete floors on the opposite side of the porch area. If you have a full concrete slab under your patio, then youll be better off.
We, however, had a wooden frame under part of the outdoor porch and then a concrete foundation on the old inside. The floor was the biggest mess and largest expense of this entire project.
This post documents the next phase of converting this outdoor space into an interior room.
Enclosed Patio With Year
This enclosed patio is essentially all glass with a roof that fits the house and doors that release wide onto the deck, creating an impressive indoor/outdoor entertaining space.
Pros:
- The enclosed patio offers a cozy space for enjoying the outside world all year round.
- The white screens make a great match to the exposed-brick walls.
Cons:
- This small patio space may not be able to accommodate an event at home which invites many people.
Cost:
Depending on the materials that youll choose for the enclosed patio designs and how you build it, the cost may vary. But, this kind of patio remodels usually costs around $6,000 to $14,000.
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Install The Joists And Joist Hangers
Nail through the joist hangers into the beams at the house to hold them in place. Then connect the opposite ends of the two beams at the front with a 2×10 cut to the same length as the ledger. Adjust the resulting frame until the diagonal measurements are equal.
Then brace the frame against stakes pounded into the ground to hold it square while you install the treated posts, joists and decking. Sight along the outside rim joist occasionally and adjust the length of the joists as needed to keep the front rim joist straight.